On Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at the Committee of the Whole meeting, Port Hope Council voted unanimously to close salmon fishing and access to public areas that may allow fishing from Molson Street to the south end of the east pier until October 15, 2020.
Mayor Bob Sanderson stated before the vote in his opinion the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry should have closed salmon fishing for this year in specific areas.
Certain areas are “inundated” with boaters and people, “that are absolutely being absurd.”
“I don’t feel we have any choice given the intensity of people who are visiting here. As very apparent recently there is total disregard for our population and our health and safety who are coming here.”
Sanderson also stated that MPP David Piccini, “went to bat for us very strongly” in terms of stronger regulations regarding fishing in certain areas during COVID times but was not successful.
“I think with the Government one Ministry doesn’t get along with the other necessarily.”
“It seems the Ministry of Natural Resources (and Forestry) felt it was more important that people fish than it was to keep them safe.”
“It’s not that we want to stop fishing. We want to stop illegal fishing and inappropriate behaviour and we have spent time and money to do that.”
Councillor Jeff Lees said, “this whole fishing thing in my opinion has got worse in the last four or five years.”
“The harder we try and do things and enforcement – a lot of people are getting frustrated.”
“I want to point out, I like fishing, but there is always a few bad apples.”
“It’s unfortunate that fishermen get a bad rap, but they’re not all bad. I watched a lot of really good fishermen on the weekend.”
“Like every big group there is always a few that spoil it for everyone else.”
Director of Parks Rec and Culture Jim McCormack stated if it wasn’t for COVID-19 he would not support the closing of salmon fishing for 2020.
“Last thing a Director of Parks and Rec wants to do is close parkland and access for the public to get out and exercise.”
McCormack said if it wasn’t for COVID discussion from Port Hope with area partners including GRCA, MNRF and Port Hope Police would have been focussed on enforcement.
Areas that will remain open are the boat launch on Mill Street South along with the parking lot for vehicles with boats and the Riverside Park parking lot.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
